When I was young, I loved dancing during the Christmas festival at my elementary school. I felt pure joy moving to the rhythm of both English and Thai songs. But in fourth grade, that joy was shattered. Someone looked at me with glaring eyes and sneered, "Oh, you love to dance? You must be gay."

From that moment on, I became a target. My classmates bullied me with cruel words—calling me retarded, autistic, stupid. Those words echoed in my mind, chipping away at my confidence. I felt isolated, even banned from the school library, a place I once loved.

Then, I met Mr. Michael Williams, a Canadian-American English teacher. He introduced me to fascinating books, like a world atlas, and showed me where America and Canada were. Our discussions about world history ignited a dream in me—to study abroad. That dream became reality when I became an exchange student in the U.S.

In high school there, I discovered something profound. At prom and at a family wedding, I saw people dancing freely, without judgment. Unlike my bullying peers back home, no one cared what dancing meant—they just embraced the joy of it. My time in America taught me a valuable lesson: being yourself is what truly matters.

Since then, I have never hesitated to make new friends, to embrace my individuality, and to live without fear of judgment.

The message I want to share is this: Do not let the harsh words of others define you. Their words are not your truth. Find strength within yourself, embrace your soul, and be confident in who you are.

You are U. Seek the talents within your soul, embrace the divine light within you, and express your true essence. There is a brilliance within you—find it, nurture it, and let it shine.